Electronic Device with Optical User Input Modes and Localized Haptic Response, and Corresponding Systems and Methods

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. A reflective surface defines a major surface of the second housing portion. A signal emitter and a signal receiver are supported by the first housing portion. The signal emitter delivers signals to the reflective surface and the signal receiver receives reflections of the signals to determine one or more of location of an object or whether the object is touching the reflective surface. One or more haptic devices are supported by the second housing portion. One or more processors, operable with the signal receiver and the one or more haptic devices, actuate at least one haptic device when the signal receiver detects the object touching the reflective surface.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly to user interface systems for electronic devices.

Background Art

Electronic devices are continually evolving. So too are their userinterface systems. For example, not too long ago the only way tointeract with an electronic device was with a keyboard or mouse havingwith physical keys. More modern electronic devices have now eliminatedsuch keyboards in favor of touch-sensitive displays. Users interact withthese touch sensitive displays by touching a flat layer of glassdisposed above a capacitive or other sensor spanning the display with afinger or stylus.

For users accustomed to working with a conventional keyboard withphysical keys, using more modern systems can be challenging. It issometimes difficult to know where to place a finger or whether userinput has been received. It would be advantageous to have an electronicdevice with an improved user interface system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory electronic device in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates one explanatory projector in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a signal emitter and receiver inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates one explanatory electronic device in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure in operation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user interacting with one explanatory electronicdevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user interacting with one explanatory electronicdevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory electronic devicein accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user interacting with one explanatory electronicdevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates one explanatory method in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates another explanatory method in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates one explanatory adjuster for a reflector inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates another explanatory adjuster for a reflector inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates yet another explanatory adjuster for a reflector inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates one explanatory reflector in operation with anelectronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates another explanatory electronic device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates another explanatory electronic device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates yet another method in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent disclosure, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to electronic devices using innovative user interface systems.Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understoodas representing modules, segments, or portions of code that include oneor more executable instructions for implementing specific logicalfunctions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations areincluded, and it will be clear that functions may be executed out oforder from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrentlyor in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have beenrepresented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings,showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understandingthe embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Embodiments of the disclosure do not recite the implementation of anycommonplace business method aimed at processing business information,nor do they apply a known business process to the particulartechnological environment of the Internet. Moreover, embodiments of thedisclosure do not create or alter contractual relations using genericcomputer functions and conventional network operations. Quite to thecontrary, embodiments of the disclosure employ methods that, whenapplied to electronic device and/or user interface technology, improvethe functioning of the electronic device itself by and improving theoverall user experience to overcome problems specifically arising in therealm of the user interface technology associated with electronic deviceuser interaction.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosure describedherein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors andunique stored program instructions that control the one or moreprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processorcircuits, some, most, or all of the functions of receiving user inputand/or delivering haptic responses to a user as described herein. Thenon-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, an opticalsignal receiver, a optical signal transmitter, signal drivers, clockcircuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, thesefunctions may be interpreted as steps of a method to perform the receiptof user input and/or the delivery of haptic responses to a user.Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a statemachine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could beused. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been describedherein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ASICs with minimal experimentation.

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relationalterms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions. As used herein, componentsmay be “operatively coupled” when information can be sent between suchcomponents, even though there may be one or more intermediate orintervening components between, or along the connection path. The terms“substantially” and “about” are used to refer to dimensions,orientations, or alignments inclusive of manufacturing tolerances. Thus,a “substantially orthogonal” angle with a manufacturing tolerance ofplus or minus two degrees would include all angles between 88 and 92,inclusive. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesisindicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion.For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A wouldrefer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device that includesan adaptable user interface that is projected along a reflectivesurface. By using a projector to deliver images to the reflectivesurface, the user interface can take an infinite number of forms due tothe fact that it is unconstrained by physical elements such as keys,buttons, or other mechanical user interface devices. The imagesdelivered to the reflective surface can present content to extend thedimensions of the primary display, provide a user interface presentationhaving one or more user actuation targets with which a user mayinteract, or simply provide a clean surface that resembles a blankcanvas upon which a user may deliver user input.

In one or more embodiments, a signal receiver is configured to receivenon-visible signals. In one embodiment, the non-visible signals compriselight and/or radiation with wavelengths in the infrared spectrum.Accordingly, when a user's hand or other warm objects pass along thereflective surface, the signal receiver receives infrared emissions fromthe hand.

One or more processors, operable with the signal receiver, may use thisreceived non-visible emission as user input to control a cursor, actuateuser actuation targets, or perform other control operations.Additionally, gestures and other motions can be detected using thesignal receiver. In one embodiment the signal receiver comprises aninfrared image capture device. In such embodiments the one or moreprocessors can examine images captured by the image capture device todetermine a location (X,Y) of the user's finger or other object. Inother embodiments, the signal receiver comprises an infrared photodiode.Other signal receivers will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, a signal emitter is also included. In oneembodiment, the signal emitter delivers non-visible signals to thereflective surface. The signal receiver can then receive reflections ofthese non-visible signals, which the one or more processors then convertto user input. Illustrating by example, in one embodiment the signalemitter is an infrared laser that delivers infrared light of apredefined frequency to the reflective surface. As a user moves theirfinger or hand along the reflective surface, the signal receiver detectsthe location (X,Y) of the finger or hand along the reflective surfacefrom the infrared emissions emanating from the finger or hand. However,when the user touches the reflective surface, non-visible light from theinfrared laser reflects from the user's finger or hand to the signalreceiver, thereby changing its “color” as seen by the signal receiver.In this fashion, the one or more processors can determine not only theX-Y location of the finger or hand along the reflective surface, butalso when the finger or hand touches the reflective surface.

In one or more embodiments, the user interface is configured to providea traditional “legacy” keyboard feel when the user touches thereflective surface. For example, in one or more embodiments theelectronic device is configured with one or more haptic devices thatdeliver tactile feedback similar to that of a conventional keypad orkeyboard while maintaining a very slim form factor that is suitable foruse with modern, compact, electronic devices. Accordingly, embodimentsof the disclosure offer a virtual user interface with which a user caninteract, and that can take an infinite number of forms, but that at thesame time provides a conventional user interface experience in aninterface peripheral that is very thin, simple, and compact.

In one embodiment, an electronic device includes a first housing portionand a second housing portion that are coupled together at a hinge. Inone embodiment, the first housing portion and second housing portionjoin together to resemble a conventional laptop computer. In anotherembodiment, the first housing portion and the second housing portionjoin together to form a “folio” appearance, such as where a tabletcomputer is disposed within a folio. Other appearances of the firsthousing portion and the second housing portion will be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

In one or more embodiments, the first housing portion comprises adisplay, such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or otherconventional display. The second housing portion, rather than includinga physical keyboard or second display, instead comprises a reflectivesurface. In one embodiment, the reflective surface defines asubstantially planar major surface of the first housing portion.

In one or more embodiments, the first housing portion supports a signalemitter. In one embodiment, the signal emitter delivers non-visiblesignals to the reflective surface of the second housing portion. In oneembodiment, the non-visible signals comprise infrared light, which mayhave a predefined frequency. For example, the signal emitter may be aninfrared light emitting diode, an infrared laser diode, or an infraredlaser, emitting light at 860 nanometers. The signal emitter can transmita beam of infrared light that reflects from an object touching thereflective surface to the signal receiver. The one or more processorscan interpret this reflection as user input, and more particularly, userinput where a user's finger or other objection contacts the reflectivesurface.

In one or more embodiments, the second housing portion supports one ormore haptic devices, which are operable with the one or more processors.In one or more embodiments, when the one or more processors detect, fromthe reflected signals of the signal emitter from an object touching thereflective surface received by the signal receiver, that an object istouching the reflective surface, the one or more processors can actuateat least one haptic device to deliver tactile feedback to the user. Theactuation of one or more haptic devices delivers a tactile “click” backto the user. The one or more processors can then again begin monitoringfor additional user input.

In one or more embodiments, to allow for different physicalconfigurations of the electronic device, the first housing portion canpivot about the hinge relative to the second housing portion. To ensurethat the projected user interface, and the received reflections ofinfrared light, is directed from the projector to the reflective surfaceand from the reflective surface to the signal receiver, respectively, areflector is included. In one embodiment, the reflector is coupled tofirst housing portion, and is movable relative to the first housingportion between at least a first position and a second position. Themovability of the reflector allows the reflector to maintain a line ofsight relationship with the reflective surface as the first housingportion pivots about the hinge relative to the second housing portion.This ensures that light from the projector is always directed toward thereflective surface, and that the signal receiver receives infraredemissions or reflections from the reflective surface. An adjuster can beprovided to move the reflector. The adjuster can take any of a number offorms, including manual, passive mechanical, and active mechanical, aswill be described in more detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one explanatory electronicdevice 100 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure. This illustrative electronic device 100 includes a display102, which may optionally be touch-sensitive. In one embodiment wherethe display 102 is touch-sensitive, users can deliver user input to thedisplay 102 by delivering touch input from a finger, stylus, or otherobjects disposed proximately with the display 102. In one embodiment,the display 102 is configured as an active matrix organic light emittingdiode (AMOLED) display. However, it should be noted that other types ofdisplays, including liquid crystal displays, would be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The explanatory electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 includes a housing 101.In one embodiment, the housing 101 includes two housing portions,namely, a first housing portion 103 and a second housing portion 104. Inthis illustrative embodiment, the first housing portion 103 is disposedabout the periphery of the display 102.

In one embodiment, the second housing portion 104 is coupled to thefirst housing portion 103 by a hinge 105. Much as is the case in aconventional laptop computer, the hinge 105 allows the first housingportion 103 to pivot 106 about the hinge 105 such that the first housingportion 103 can be radially displaced 107 from the second housingportion 104 by an amount desired by a user for optimal viewing of thedisplay 102. For example, a user lying down may prefer greater radialdisplacement 107, while a user sitting at a table may prefer less radialdisplacement 107, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the second housing portion 104 includes areflective surface 108. In one embodiment, the reflective surface 108defines a major face of the second housing portion. In this illustrativeembodiment, the reflective surface 108 defines a substantially planarmajor surface 109 of the second housing portion 104. However, in otherembodiments, the reflective surface 108 can take other configurations.For example, where the electronic device 100 is a bendable electronicdevice, the reflective surface 108 may be bendable as well into variousshapes and contours. Similarly, where the electronic device 100 isspherical or takes other form factors, the reflective surface 108 cantake other shapes as well.

In one embodiment, the reflective surface 108 includes a coating 110that is configured to reflect visible light. In one embodiment, thecoating 110 is configured to reflect both visible and non-visible light.For example, in one embodiment the coating 110 is a matte white coating.In another embodiment, the coating 110 is a matte silver coating. Instill another embodiment, the coating 110 is a layer of DA-MAT™material, which is a flexible vinyl fabric manufactured by the Da-LiteScreen Company. In yet another embodiment, the coating 110 is a layer ofHigh Contrast DA-MAT™ material, which is another flexible vinyl fabricmanufactured by the Da-Lite Screen Company. In another embodiment, thecoating 110 comprises a glass-beaded coating. In another embodiment, thecoating 110 comprises a moderate contrast white or off-white coating. Inanother embodiment, the coating 110 comprises a high-contrast greycoating. Other coatings will be obvious to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure.

A block diagram schematic 111 of the electronic device 100 is also shownin FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes one ormore processors 112. The one or more processors 112 are operable withthe display 102 and other components of the electronic device 100. Theone or more processors 112 can include a microprocessor, a group ofprocessing components, one or more ASICs, programmable logic, or othertype of processing device. The one or more processors 112 can beoperable with the various components of the electronic device 100. Theone or more processors 112 can be configured to process and executeexecutable software code to perform the various functions of theelectronic device 100.

A storage device, such as memory 113, can optionally store theexecutable software code used by the one or more processors 112 duringoperation. The memory 113 may include either or both static and dynamicmemory components, may be used for storing both embedded code and userdata. The software code can embody program instructions and methods tooperate the various functions of the electronic device 100, and also toexecute software or firmware applications and modules. The one or moreprocessors 112 can execute this software or firmware, and/or interactwith modules, to provide device functionality.

In this illustrative embodiment, the electronic device 100 also includesan optional communication circuit 114 that can be configured for wiredor wireless communication with one or more other devices or networks.The networks can include a wide area network, a local area network,and/or personal area network. Examples of wide area networks includeGSM, CDMA, W-CDMA, CDMA-2000, iDEN, TDMA, 2.5 Generation 3GPP GSMnetworks, 3rd Generation 3GPP WCDMA networks, 3GPP Long Term Evolution(LTE) networks, and 3GPP2 CDMA communication networks, UMTS networks,E-UTRA networks, GPRS networks, iDEN networks, and other networks.

The communication circuit 114 may also utilize wireless technology forcommunication, such as, but are not limited to, peer-to-peer or ad hoccommunications such as HomeRF, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g or n);and other forms of wireless communication such as infrared technology.The communication circuit 114 can include wireless communicationcircuitry, one of a receiver, a transmitter, or transceiver, and one ormore antennas.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic device includes one or morehaptic devices 120. In one embodiment, the one or more haptic devices120 are supported by the second housing portion 104 beneath thereflective surface 108. The haptic devices 120 are configured to deliverhaptic feedback to the second housing portion 104, the reflectivesurface 108, or combinations thereof. Haptic feedback refers to tactilesensations that can be sensed by touch by a user. The haptic feedbackmay optionally be accompanied by acoustic sounds as well. Examples ofhaptic feedback include vibrations, bumps, thumps, knocks, or othermechanical sensations delivered by the haptic devices 120 to the secondhousing portion 104 and/or the reflective surface 108.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more haptic devices 120 compriseactuators such as piezoelectric transducers, electromechanical devices,and/or other vibration inducing devices that are mechanically coupled toone or more of the second housing portion 104 and/or the reflectivesurface 108. The one or more haptic devices 120 may be configured invarious arrangements or configurations, and may take various shapes andsizes as well. For example, while the one or more haptic devices 120shown below with reference to FIG. 7 are shown as discs, they may takeother forms, such as strips. The one or more processors 112, which areoperable with the one or more haptic devices 120, deliver electronicsignals to the one or more haptic devices to actuate the same. The oneor more processors 112 actuate at least one haptic device to deliverhaptic feedback to one or both of the second housing portion and/or thereflective surface 108.

As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7, theone or more haptic devices 120 can be configured as a centralized hapticsystem or a localized haptic system. A centralized haptic system wouldhave a single haptic device that delivers haptic feedback generally tothe entire second housing portion 104 and/or reflective surface 108,rather than to an individual section, to provide haptic feedback outputto a user. By contrast, other embodiments employ a plurality of hapticdevices, which may be arranged in an array or otherwise distributedbeneath the reflective surface 108, with each haptic device disposed ata separate location. This allows the one or more processors 112 toselectively actuate haptic devices to provide haptic feedback atlocalized locations rather than to the entire second housing portion 104and/or the entire reflective surface 108.

Where configured to provide localized haptic responses, the one or moreprocessors 112 may actuate individual ones of the haptic devices toprovide haptic feedback as a function of at least one of a location(X,Y) along the reflective surface 108. As will be described in moredetail below, in one embodiment this location corresponds to thelocation at which a user touches the reflective surface 108 asdetermined by a signal receiver 121 by receiving reflections from asignal emitter 122. In such embodiments, the one or more processors 112can identify the location upon the signal receiver 121 receivingreflections of non-visible signals, e.g., infrared light, from thesignal emitter 122. The one or more processors 112 then selectivelyactuate at least one of the haptic devices that corresponds to theidentified contact location to generate haptic feedback output for theuser. By varying the drive signal delivered to the haptic devices, theone or more processors 112 are also operable to control the magnitudeand time duration of the generated haptic feedback output as well.

Turning briefly to FIG. 3, the signal receiver 121 is configured todetect a finger 301 or other warm object when it is proximately locatedwith the reflective surface 108 by receiving signal emissions 302 fromthe finger 301 or other warm object. In one embodiment, the signalreceiver 121 is configured to receive infrared emissions 302 from afinger 301 or other warm object proximately located with the reflectivesurface 108.

In one embodiment, the signal receiver 121 comprises an infraredphotodiode. In another embodiment, the signal receiver 121 comprises aninfrared image capture device such as an infrared camera.Advantageously, using an infrared camera as the signal receiver 121allows the one or more processors (112) to analyze the location of auser's finger or other warm object across a series of images todetermine where the finger or other warm object is located, e.g.,location (X/Y). In one embodiment, the signal receiver 121 is configuredto receive infrared wavelengths of at least about 860 nanometers. In oneembodiment, the signal receiver 121 can operate at various sensitivitylevels so as receive the infrared emissions from different distances. Inother embodiments, the signal receiver 121 can be designed to havechanging detection thresholds controlled by the one or more processors(112).

The signal emitter 122 is configured to deliver non-visible signals 303to the reflective surface 108. While the signal receiver 121 and thesignal emitter 122 can be operable with any number of non-visiblesignals, including capacitively sensed signals, magnetic signals,inductive signals, photoelectric signals, acoustic/sonic signals,radar-based signals, Doppler-based signals, thermal signals, andradiation-based signals, in one or more embodiments the non-visiblesignals comprise infrared light. Accordingly, in one embodiment thesignal emitter 122 delivers infrared light to the reflective surface108.

In one embodiment, the signal emitter 122 comprises an infrared diode orinfrared laser that is configured to transmit infrared signals havingwavelengths of about 860 nanometers, which is one to two orders ofmagnitude shorter than the wavelengths of radiation emitted by a humanfinger or hand. Accordingly, the signal receiver 121 can receive signalsof a first wavelength, i.e., the infrared emissions 302 emanating fromthe finger 301 or hand, when detecting location (X,Y) as a user movestheir finger 301 or hand along the reflective surface 108. However, whenthe user touches the reflective surface 108, the shorter wavelengthlight from the signal emitter 122 reflects 304 from the user's finger orhand to the signal receiver 121, thereby changing its “color” to awarmer tone as seen by the signal receiver 121. In this fashion, the oneor more processors can determine not only the X-Y location of the finger301 or hand along the reflective surface 108, but also when the finger301 or hand touches the reflective surface 108.

Turning now back to FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments, the one or moreprocessors 112 are operable to actuate at least one haptic device whenthe signal receiver 121 detects an object, such as a user's finger,stylus, or other object, touching the reflective surface 108 from thereflections of infrared light emitted from the signal emitter 122. Whenthe actuation signal is an impulse, the user feels a “pop” or “click”haptic response, which simulates the feeling of a physical key of aconventional keyboard returning to its steady state position from anactuated position. While the key press simulated response is one type ofhaptic feedback that can be delivered to the user, embodiments of thedisclosure permit other responses to be delivered as well by changingthe duration, frequency, or shape of the actuation signal. The one ormore haptic devices 120 can further be tuned to emphasize the hapticresponse, which results in an even more localized and noticeableresponse to the user. The drive signal can also be tuned such that thereflective surface 108 vibrates at or near a resonant frequency, therebyaccentuating the haptic response. By providing haptic feedback,embodiments of the disclosure improve the overall user experience byidentifying, physically, when user input is delivered touch to theelectronic device 100.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 also includes aprojector 123. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the firsthousing portion 103 supports the projector 123. In one or moreembodiments, the projector 123 is configured to deliver images 124 tothe reflective surface 108. In one embodiment, the projector 123 is amodulated light projector operable to project modulated light patternsalong the reflective surface 108. In another embodiment, the projector123 is a thin microprojector. In another embodiment, the projector 123can comprise a laser projector display module. Other types of projectorswill be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof this disclosure.

Regardless of type, in one or more embodiments the projector 123facilitates viewing of information and/or interaction with userinterface presentations received at the reflective surface 108. Turningbriefly to FIG. 2, the projector 123 can include a lens 201 and aspatial light modulator 202 configured to manipulate the light toproduce the images 124. The projector 123 can include a light source,such as a single white light emitting diode, multiple separate colorlight emitting diodes 204,205,206, or multiple separate color laserdiodes that deliver visible light to the spatial light modulator througha color combiner 203. A controller (not shown) can be coupled to thespatial light modulator 202 to drive the spatial light modulator 202 tomodulate the light to produce the images 124. The spatial lightmodulator can be optically coupled (e.g., by free space propagation) tothe lens 201 and/or a beam steerer. Where used, a beam steerer serves tosteer a spatially modulated light beam emanating from the spatial lightmodulator 202 through the lens 201 to create the images 124.

Turning now back to FIG. 1, as noted above, in one or more embodiments abeam steerer can steer a spatially modulated light beam emanating fromthe spatial light modulator (202) through the lens (201) to create theimages 124. As also noted above, where included, the hinge 105 allowsthe first housing portion 103 to pivot 106 about the hinge 105 such thatthe first housing portion 103 can be radially displaced 107 from thesecond housing portion 104 by an amount desired by a user for optimalviewing of the display 102. In such cases a beam steerer is advantageousto maintain a line of sight relationship 125 with the reflective surface108.

In this illustrative embodiment, the beam steerer is configured as areflector 126. In this illustrative embodiment, the reflector 126 iscoupled to the first housing portion 103 and is movable relative to thefirst housing portion 103 between at least a first position and a secondposition. In one embodiment, the reflector 126 is pivotally movablerelative to the first housing portion 103. This ability to pivot allowsthe reflector 126, when in the second position, to redirect receivedlight to the reflective surface 108 when the first housing portion 103is radially displaced 107 from the second housing portion 104 about thehinge 105.

In one or more embodiments where a reflector 126 is included, anadjuster 127 is operatively coupled to the reflector 126. The adjuster127 works to move the reflector 126 when to the first housing portion103 moves relative to the second housing portion 104. In one or moreembodiments, the adjuster 127 is mechanically coupled to the hinge 105and moves the reflector 126 when the first housing portion 103 movesrelative to the second housing portion 104 so as to maintain a line ofsight relationship 125 with the reflective surface 108. Details on theoperation of the adjuster will be explained below with reference toFIGS. 11-14.

In one or more embodiments, an optional backlight 128 can be disposedbeneath the reflective surface 108 to intensify the image 124 deliveredto the reflective surface 108. Illustrating by example, in oneembodiment the reflective surface could have a coating 110 that issilver or grey, and that is translucent. The backlight 128 can bedisposed beneath the reflective surface 108. When the backlight 128 isOFF, the reflective surface would be silver or grey. However, when thebacklight 128 is ON, this transitions the appearance of the reflectivesurface 108 to white. In one embodiment, the backlight 128 is controlledby an automatic light sensor. When lighting conditions justify, thesensor can actuate the backlight 128 to ensure the optimal viewing ofthe image 124.

The one or more processors 112 can be responsible for performing theprimary functions of the electronic device 100. For example, in oneembodiment the one or more processors 112 comprise one or more circuitsoperable with one or more user interface devices, which can include thedisplay 102, to present presentation information to a user. Theexecutable software code used by the one or more processors 112 can beconfigured as one or more modules 115 that are operable with the one ormore processors 112. Such modules 115 can store instructions, controlalgorithms, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the modules 115 include a projector display manager116, an infrared input manager 117, an infrared input controller 118,and a haptics manager 119. While these modules 115 are shown as softwarestored in the memory 113, they can be hardware components or firmwarecomponents integrated into the one or more processors 112 as well.

The projector display manager 116 is operable, in one embodiment, toobtain a projection resolution for the projector 123. The projectordisplay manager 116 can then cause the projector 123 to present images124 along the reflective surface 108.

The infrared input manager 117 can receive the projection resolution andthen actuate the signal receiver 121 to receive one or more images ofthe reflective surface 108 to detect user input. The infrared inputmanager 117 can then deliver the projection resolution to the hapticsmanager 119.

When the infrared input manager 117 detects user input, such as a fingeror hand being proximately located with, or touching, the reflectivesurface 108, the infrared input controller 118 can determine a location(X,Y) of the finger or hand along the reflective surface 108. In one ormore embodiments, this occurs when the signal receiver 121 captures oneor more images of the reflective surface 108. The infrared inputcontroller 118 then determining a location (X,Y) of the hand or otherobject along the reflective surface 108 from the one or more images aspreviously described.

When reflections from the single emitter 122 are received by the signalreceiver 121, the infrared input controller 118 can determine that thefinger or object has touched the reflective surface 108. When thisoccurs, the infrared input controller 118 can pass the location (X,Y)where the finger or other object to the haptics manager 119. The hapticsmanager can then actuate at least one haptic device to deliver hapticfeedback to the user.

Other components 129 can be included with the electronic device 100. Theother components 129 can be operable with the one or more processors 112and can include input and output components such as power inputs andoutputs, audio inputs and outputs, and/or mechanical inputs and outputs.Still other components will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

It is to be understood that FIG. 1 is provided for illustrative purposesonly and for illustrating components of one electronic device 100 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure, and is not intended to bea complete schematic diagram of the various components required for anelectronic device. Therefore, other electronic devices in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure may include various other componentsnot shown in FIG. 1, or may include a combination of two or morecomponents or a division of a particular component into two or moreseparate components, and still be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Now that the various hardware components have been described, attentionwill be turned to methods, systems, and use cases in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the disclosure. As noted above, by using aprojector 123 to deliver images 124 to the reflective surface 108, theuser interface defined by the images 124 can take an infinite number offorms due to the fact that it is unconstrained by physical elements suchas keys, buttons, or other mechanical user interface devices. A fewexamples of how this can occur are shown in FIGS. 4-6.

Beginning with FIG. 4, the images 124 delivered to the reflectivesurface 108 can present content 401 to extend the dimensions of theprimary display 102. In this illustrative embodiment, the user hassearched the Internet for information relating to Buster's ChickenShack, which is located next door to Mac and Henry's Pub. An image 402of Buster's Chicken Shack is presented on the primary display 102. Atthe same time, the projector (123) can present an infinite number ofimages 124 along the reflective surface 108. Here, to extend thedimensions of the primary display 102, the projector (123) presentscontent 401 comprising a map of directions to Buster's Chicken Shack.Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure advantageously work to doublethe size of the display surfaces upon which content 401 can bepresented.

Turning to FIG. 5, embodiments of the disclosure can also provide aclean surface that resembles a blank canvas upon which a user maydeliver user input. As shown in FIG. 5, a user 501 is delivering userinput 502 to the electronic device 100 by passing a finger 503 along thereflective surface 108. As previously described, a signal receiver(121), which can comprise an infrared imager, can capture one or moreimages of the reflective surface 108. The one or more processors (112)and/or the infrared input controller (118) can examine images capturedby the signal receiver (121) to determine a location (X,Y) of the user'sfinger 503. This can determine where the finger 503 is located, e.g.,location (X/Y). As shown in FIG. 5, this user input 502 can be used tocontrol a cursor or other control device to create content 504 that is afunction of the user input 502.

Turning to FIG. 6, in other embodiments, the use of a projector (123) topresent images 124 along the reflective surface 108 can provide a userinterface presentation 601 having one or more user actuation targets602,603,604 with which a user may interact. Here, the electronic device100 is being used as a music player. Buster's Bluesmen are loaded in thequeue with the classic hit, Mac and Henry's Boogie Woogie. The projector(123) delivers images 124 to the reflective surface 108 that define auser interface presentation that includes user actuation targets602,603,604 that define a stop, play, and pause button, respectively.

The electronic device 100 includes a signal receiver (121) thatcomprises an infrared imager. The infrared imager captures one or moreimages of the reflective surface 108. The one or more processors (112)of the electronic device 100 then determine a location 605 of the user'sfinger 503 along the reflective surface 108 from the one or more images.The one or more processors (112) can then identify whether the location605 coincides with a user actuation target 603.

The one or more processors (112) can then detect the user 501 touchingthe reflective surface 108 when the signal receiver (121) receivesreflections from a signal emitter (122) off the user's finger 503. Wherethe finger 503 touches the reflective surface 108 at a location 605coinciding with a user actuation target 603, which is in this case theplay button, the one or more processors (112) can interpret this as userinput. Accordingly, the sweet sounds of Buster's Bluesmen playing Macand Henry's Boogie Woogie begin to play in this example.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-8, the concept of providing haptic feedback whenthe user delivers user input will be described in more detail. Beginningwith FIG. 7, the electronic device 100 is shown in a partially explodedview with the reflective surface 108 lifted to reveal both the hapticdevices 701,702,703,704,705 and a plurality of backlights706,707,708,709,710,711,712.

As described above, the electronic device 100 can include a singlehaptic device when configured as a centralized haptic system. However,in FIG. 7, the electronic device 100 includes an array of haptic devices701,702,703,704,705 to function as a localized haptic system. While fivehaptic devices 701,702,703,704,705 are shown in FIG. 7 for ease ofillustration, the electronic device 100 could have more or fewer hapticdevices 701,702,703,704,705.

The inclusion of multiple haptic devices 701,702,703,704,705 allows theone or more processors 112 to selectively actuate individual hapticdevices to provide haptic feedback at localized locations rather than tothe entire reflective surface 108.

Illustrating by example, presume that the one or more processors 112determine the location 605 of a finger or other object touching thereflective surface 108. In one or more embodiments, the one or moreprocessors are operable to actuate at least one haptic device to delivertactile feedback to the user.

In this example, there are multiple haptic devices 701,702,703,704,705.Moreover, the location 605 is between haptic devices 701,702,703. In oneembodiment, the one or more processors 112 select a subset of theplurality of haptic devices, which in this case constitutes hapticdevices 701,702,703, as a function of the location 605. The one or moreprocessors then apply drive signals 713,714,715 to the haptic devices701,702,703. In one embodiment, these drive signals 713,714,715 havemagnitudes or other signal characteristics that are a function of adistance 716 between the location 605 and the haptic devices701,702,703, respectively. For instance, the one or more processors 112may apply a greater drive signal 715 to a haptic device 703 that isfarther from the location 605 than to another haptic device 702 that iscloser to the location 605.

Turning now to FIG. 8, this process is shown in practice. The projector(123) delivers images 124 to the reflective surface 108 that define auser interface presentation 801 that includes user actuation targetsdefining a conventional QWERTY keyboard. The signal receiver (121)captures one or more images of the reflective surface 108. The one ormore processors (112) of the electronic device 100 then determine alocation 605 of the user's finger 503 along the reflective surface 108from the one or more images. The one or more processors (112) can thenidentify whether the location 605 coincides with a particular key of theQWERTY keyboard.

The one or more processors (112) can then detect the user 501 touchingthe reflective surface 108 when the signal receiver (121) receivesreflections 802 from a signal emitter (122) off the user's finger 503.Where the finger 503 touches the reflective surface 108 at a location605 coinciding with a key, the one or more processors (112) caninterpret this as user input. In one or more embodiments, the one ormore processors 112 actuate at least one haptic device (701,702,703) todeliver haptic feedback 803 to the user 501. In one embodiment, the oneor more processors 112 actuate the at least one haptic device only whenthe location 605 coincides with a user actuation target.

Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is one explanatory method 900for performing the functions described above where the modules of aprojector display manager, an infrared input manager, an infrared inputcontroller, and a haptics manager are included. Recall from above thatthese modules can be hardware components or firmware componentsintegrated into one or more processors.

At step 901, an application, e.g., a web browser, operating on one ormore processors of an electronic device initiate a request to use thereflective surface of a second housing portion of the electronic deviceas either a display or a user interface. At step 902, the projectormanager obtains a projection resolution from the projector and sends itto the infrared input manager. In one or more embodiments, theprojection resolution can be a function of the application, theprojector, or combinations thereof.

At step 903, the infrared input manager enables monitoring of userinput. In one embodiment, this occurs by actuating a signal receiver. Inone embodiment, the signal receiver is an infrared imager.

At step 904, the infrared input manager passes the projection resolutionto the haptics manager. At step 905, the haptics manager configures oneor more haptic devices as a function of the resolution. For example, ifthe resolution is coarse, the haptics manager may configure groups ofhaptic devices to actuate to deliver haptic feedback within ageneralized location. By contrast, when location-determining resolutionis fine, the haptics manager may configure individual ones of the hapticdevices to actuate when a precise location is known.

At step 906, the projector projects images defining content or a userinterface presentation onto the reflective surface of the electronicdevice. At decision 907, the infrared input manager detects user input.In one embodiment, this occurs when the signal receiver receivesinfrared emissions from a warm object such as a user's finger.

At step 908, the infrared input controller determines a location of thewarm object. In one embodiment, this occurs by analyzing one or moreinfrared images captured by the signal receiver. At decision 909, theinfrared input controller determines whether the warm object touches thereflective surface. In one embodiment, this occurs when the signalreceiver receives reflections of infrared light delivered by a signalemitter, and that reflect from the warm object. Where this occurs, atstep 910 the haptics manager actuates at least one haptic device.

The way in which haptic devices may be actuated can vary. Turning now toFIG. 10, illustrated therein is one method 1000 for determining how toactuate the haptic devices.

Beginning with decision 1001, the method 1000 determines whethermultiple haptic devices are available to be actuated. In one embodiment,this is simply a function of whether multiple haptic devices areincluded with the electronic device. In other embodiments, this can be afunction of resolution, i.e., whether the resolution is fine enough suchthat individual ones—or groups—of haptic devices can be actuated basedupon location. Where it is not possible to enable multiple hapticdevices for either reason, at step 1003 the haptics manager isinstructed to deliver full strength drive signals to haptic devices toprovide tactile feedback.

By contrast, where it is possible to enable multiple haptic devices, themethod 1000 moves to decision 1002. At decision 1002, the method 1000determines whether the location (as determined at step 908 of FIG. 9) isbetween one or more haptic devices. Where it is not, at step 1004 thehaptics manager is instructed to deliver a full strength drive signal tothe haptic device closest to the location to provide tactile feedback.

However, in one or more embodiments where the location is between hapticdevices, the method 1000 adjusts the strength of the tactile feedback atstep 1005 by instructing the haptics manager to deliver varying strengthdrive signals to the haptic devices surrounding the location. In oneembodiment, this occurs as a function of distance in that haptic devicescloser to the location receive lower magnitude, frequency, and orduration drive signals than do haptic devices located farther from thedetermined location. At optional step 1006, the haptics manager can beinstructed to enable the haptic devices for actuation for a limitedperiod of time to ensure that only the desired tactile feedback isdelivered to a user.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-13, illustrated therein are various adjustersoperable to move a reflector operable to redirect light from aprojector, or to a signal receiver, as a first housing portion movesrelative to a second housing portion to ensure that a line of sightrelationship is maintained between the projector and the signalreceiver, supported by the first housing portion, and the reflectivesurface defining a major face of the second housing portion.

Beginning with FIG. 11, an electronic device 1100 is shown with a firsthousing portion 1103 and a second housing portion 1104. A hinge 1105couples the first housing portion 1103 to the second housing portion1104. A reflector 1126 is supported by the first housing portion 1103and is movable relative to the first housing portion 1103 between atleast a first position and a second position to maintain a line of sightrelationship 1125 with the reflective surface 1108 as the first housingportion 1103 pivots about the hinge 1105 relative to the second housingportion 1104.

An adjuster 1127 is coupled to the reflector 1126. Movement of theadjuster 1127 moves the reflector 1126. In this embodiment, the adjuster1127 comprises a simple mechanical device that a user 501 can rotate1130 to pivot 1131 the reflector 1126. While this type of adjuster 1127requires manual manipulation, it advantageously allows the reflector1126 to be rotated 180 degrees so as to be capable of projecting imageson a wall behind the electronic device 1100 rather than on thereflective surface 1108.

By contrast, turning now to FIG. 12, in this embodiment the reflector1226 mechanically coupled 1232 to the hinge 1205 by a belt 1234 suchthat when the first housing portion 1203 pivots 1230 about the hinge1205 by a radial displacement amount, the reflector 1226 pivots 1232relative to the first housing portion 1203 in an amount proportional tothe radial displacement amount such that a surface 1233 of the reflector1226 maintains a line of sight relationship 1225 with the reflectivesurface 1208.

Turning now to FIG. 13, in this embodiment the electronic device 1300comprises a motor 1335 coupled to the reflector 1326. The motor 1334selectively pivots the reflector 1326 such that when the first housingportion 1303 pivots about the hinge 1305 by a radial displacementamount, the reflector 1326 pivots relative to the first housing portion1303 in an amount proportional to the radial displacement amount suchthat a surface 1333 of the reflector 1326 maintains a line of sightrelationship 1325 with the reflective surface 1308 of the second housingportion 1304. As shown in FIG. 14, when using either the embodiment ofFIG. 12 or the embodiment of FIG. 13, the reflector 1426, when coupledto the first housing portion 1403 and movable relative to the firsthousing portion 1403 between at least a first position 1440 and a secondposition 1441, redirects received light to the reflective surface 1408when the first housing portion 1403 is radially displaced from thesecond housing portion 1404 about the hinge 1405 to maintain a line ofsight relationship 1425 with the reflective surface 1408.

To this point, electronic devices described above have been configuredas integrated electronic devices, e.g., where the second housingportion, display, first housing portion, projector, signal receiver, andsignal emitter are all integrated into a single device. However, inother embodiments, the first housing portion and the second housingportion, with its reflective surface, can be detachable from anelectronic device that otherwise includes one or more of a projector,signal receiver, or signal emitter. This allows, for instance, thesignal emitter and the signal receiver to be selectively detachable fromthe first housing portion.

Illustrating by example, and now turning to FIG. 15, an electronicdevice 1500 is configured as a tablet computer. A separate folio 1550,includes a first housing portion 1503 and a second housing portion 1504.As before, the second housing portion 1504 includes a reflective surface1508, which defines a major face of the second housing portion 1504. Thefirst housing portion 1503 includes electrical contacts (not shown) thatcouple to an electrical connector disposed along the housing of theelectronic device 1500. In one or more embodiments, the second housingportion supports one or more haptic devices disposed beneath thereflective surface 1508. Through the electrical contacts and theelectrical connector, the one or more processors of the electronicdevice 1500 can selectively actuate the haptic devices to delivertactile feedback to a user.

The first housing portion 1503 and the second housing portion 1504 arejoined by a hinge 1505. The hinge 1505 allows the first housing portion1503 to pivot relative to the second housing portion 1504 about thehinge 1505 as previously described. The electronic device 1500 includesa display 1502 and one or more processors to control the display 1502.The electronic device 1500 also includes a signal receiver 1521 and asignal emitter 1522. In this illustrative embodiment, the first housingportion 1503 defines a receiver for the electronic device 1500.Moreover, the first housing portion 1503 defines an aperture 1551 thatallows the display 1502 of the electronic device 1500 to be seen whenthe electronic device 1500 is coupled to the first housing portion 1503.

The first housing portion 1503 also includes a reflector 1526. Asbefore, the reflector 1526 can be movable relative to the first housingportion 1503 between at least a first position and a second position,such that when in the second position, the reflector 1526 can redirectreceived light to the reflective surface 1508 when the first housingportion 1503 is radially displaced from the second housing portion 1504about the hinge 1505.

As shown at 1551, the electronic device 1500 is being coupled to thereceiver defined by the first housing portion 1503. A portion of theelectronic device 1500 can be seen through the aperture 1551. As shownat 1552, the electronic device 1500 is fully coupled to the receiverdefined by the first housing portion 1503. The display 1502 of theelectronic device 1500 is now visible through the aperture 1551.

The signal emitter 1522 delivers non-visible light to the reflectivesurface 1508 and the signal receiver 1521 receives reflections of thenon-visible light. The projector 1523 delivers images to the reflectivesurface 1508. In one or more embodiments, the images define a userinterface presentation comprising one or more user actuation targets. Aspreviously described, the one or more processors of the electronicdevice 1500 identify an object touching the reflective surface 1508. Forexample, when the user touches the reflective surface 1508 at a locationthat coincides with a user actuation target, the signal receiver 1521will receive reflections from the signal receiver as reflected off theuser. Accordingly, to provide tactile feedback, the one or moreprocessors of the electronic device 1500 can actuate at least one hapticdevice to provide a click, tap, pop, or other vibration that the usercan feel.

Turning now to FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the electronic device 1600is configured as a smartphone. A separate folio 1650 includes a receiver1654 into which the electronic device 1600 may be coupled. Since thedisplay 1653 of the smartphone is relatively small, in this illustrativeembodiment the folio 1650 includes its own display 1602, which is largerin size.

The folio 1650 includes a first housing portion 1603 and a secondhousing portion 1604. As before, the second housing portion 1604includes a reflective surface 1608, which defines a major face of thesecond housing portion 1604. The receiver 1654 includes electricalcontacts (not shown) that couple to an electrical connector disposedalong the housing of the electronic device 1600. In one or moreembodiments, the second housing portion supports one or more hapticdevices disposed beneath the reflective surface 1608. Through theelectrical contacts and the electrical connector, the one or moreprocessors of the electronic device 1600 can selectively actuate thehaptic devices to deliver tactile feedback to a user.

The first housing portion 1603 and the second housing portion 1604 arejoined by a hinge 1605. The hinge 1605 allows the first housing portion1603 to pivot relative to the second housing portion 1604 about thehinge 1605 as previously described. The electronic device 1600 includesa display 1602 and one or more processors to control the display 1602.The electronic device 1600 also includes a signal receiver 1621 and asignal emitter 1622.

The first housing portion 1603 also includes a reflector 1626. Asbefore, the reflector 1626 can be movable relative to the first housingportion 1603 between at least a first position and a second position,such that when in the second position, the reflector 1626 can redirectreceived light to the reflective surface 1608 when the first housingportion 1603 is radially displaced from the second housing portion 1604about the hinge 1605.

At 1651, a user is inserting the electronic device 1600 into thereceiver 1654. At 1652, the electronic device 1600 is fully coupled tothe receiver 1654. The display 1653 of the electronic device 1600 cannow be mirrored to the display 1602 of the folio 1650 by deliveringsignals from the electronic device 1600 to electronics disposed in thefolio 1650 through the electrical contacts and the electrical connector.

The signal emitter 1622 delivers non-visible light to the reflectivesurface 1608 and the signal receiver 1621 receives reflections of thenon-visible light. The projector 1623 delivers images to the reflectivesurface 1608. In one or more embodiments, the images define a userinterface presentation comprising one or more user actuation targets. Aspreviously described, the one or more processors of the electronicdevice 1600 identify an object touching the reflective surface 1608. Forexample, when the user touches the reflective surface 1608 at a locationthat coincides with a user actuation target, the signal receiver 1621will receive reflections from the signal receiver as reflected off theuser. Accordingly, to provide tactile feedback, the one or moreprocessors of the electronic device 1600 can actuate at least one hapticdevice to provide a click, tap, pop, or other vibration that the usercan feel.

Turning now to FIG. 17, illustrated therein is another method 1700 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The method1700 is suitable for operation on any of the electronic devicesdescribed above that include haptic devices, a projector, and a signalreceiver.

Beginning with step 1701, the method 1700 projects, with a projector,images defining a user interface along a reflective surface of a device.At step 1702, the method 1700 receives, with a signal receiver,reflections from the reflective surface. In one embodiment, thereflections are reflections of non-visible light. In one embodiment, thenon-visible light is infrared light. In one embodiment, the infraredlight is delivered to the reflective surface from a signal emitter.

At step 1703, the method 1700 determines, with one or more processors,that an object, such as a user's finger or a stylus, is interacting withthe user interface. In one embodiment, step 1703 includes determiningthat the object is interacting with a user actuation target of the userinterface. For example, the user may touch the reflective surface at alocation where a user actuation target is being presented by theprojector. Where this occurs, at step 1704, the method 1700 includesactuating, with the one or more processors in response to the objectinteracting with the user interface, at least one haptic device todeliver haptic feedback to the reflective surface.

In one or more embodiments, the method 1700 optionally determines alocation of the objection at step 1705. For example, in one embodimentthe method 1700 captures, with an imager, one or more images of thereflective surface to determine a location of the object along thereflective surface. Where multiple haptic devices are included in thedevice, at optional step 1706, the method selects, with one or moreprocessors, one or more haptic devices as a function of the location.For example, step 1706 may include selecting a closest haptic device tothe location determined at step 1705. Alternatively, step 1706 mayinclude selecting multiple haptic devices near to, and surrounding, thelocation. Other techniques for selecting haptic devices will be obviousto those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure. In some embodiments, step 1705 and step 1706 will beomitted.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forthin the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosurehave been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure isnot so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification andfigures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within thescope of present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions toproblems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, orsolution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as acritical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a first housing portion anda second housing portion; a reflective surface defining a substantiallyplanar major surface of the second housing portion; a signal emitter anda signal receiver, supported by the first housing portion, the signalemitter delivering non-visible signals to the reflective surface and thesignal receiver receiving reflections of the non-visible signals; one ormore haptic devices, supported by the second housing portion; and one ormore processors, operable with the signal receiver and the one or morehaptic devices and actuating at least one haptic device when the signalreceiver detects an object touching the reflective surface from thereflections.
 2. The device of claim 1, the signal receiver comprising aninfrared imager and capturing one or more images of the reflectivesurface, the one or more processors determining a location of the objectalong the reflective surface from the one or more images.
 3. The deviceof claim 2, the one or more haptic devices comprising a plurality ofhaptic devices, the one or more processors selecting a subset of theplurality of haptic devices as a function of the location of the object.4. The device of claim 3, the subset comprising at least two hapticdevices, the one or more processors applying drive signals to the atleast two haptic devices as another function of a distance between thelocation of the object and the at least two haptic devices.
 5. Thedevice of claim 4, the one or more processors applying a greater drivesignal to a haptic device that is farther from the location than toanother haptic device that is closer to the location.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, the non-visible signals comprising infrared signals.
 7. Thedevice of claim 2, further comprising a projector supported by the firsthousing portion, the projector delivering images to the reflectivesurface.
 8. The device of claim 7, the images defining one or more useractuation targets.
 9. The device of claim 8, the one or more processorsidentifying the object touching the reflective surface as user inputwhen the location coincides with a user actuation target.
 10. The deviceof claim 8, the one or more processors actuating the at least one hapticdevice only when the location coincides with a user actuation target.11. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge coupling thefirst housing portion to the second housing portion; and a reflector,coupled to the first housing portion and movable relative to the firsthousing portion between at least a first position and a second position;the reflector, when in the second position, redirecting received signalsto the reflective surface when the first housing portion is radiallydisplaced from the second housing portion about the hinge.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11, further comprising an adjuster coupled to thereflector, wherein movement of the adjuster moves the reflector.
 13. Thedevice of claim 12, the reflector operable with the hinge such that whenthe first housing portion pivots about the hinge by a radialdisplacement amount, the reflector pivots relative to the first housingportion in an amount proportional to the radial displacement amount suchthat a surface of the reflector maintains a line of sight relationshipwith the reflective surface.
 14. The device of claim 7, wherein thesignal emitter and the signal receiver are selectively detachable fromthe first housing portion.
 15. The device of claim 1, the substantiallyplanar major surface defining a continuous surface.
 16. A device,comprising: a first housing portion and a second housing portion; areflective surface defining a substantially planar major surface of thesecond housing portion; a signal emitter and a signal receiver,supported by the first housing portion, the signal emitter deliveringinfrared light to the reflective surface and the signal receiverreceiving reflections of the infrared light; a projector supported bythe first housing portion and delivering images to the reflectivesurface defining a user interface; one or more haptic devices, supportedby the second housing portion; and one or more processors, operable withthe signal receiver and the one or more haptic devices, the one or moreprocessors actuating at least one haptic device when the signal receiverdetects, from the reflections, an object interacting with a useractuation target projected upon the reflective surface.
 17. The deviceof claim 16, the signal receiver comprising an infrared imager, andcapturing one or more images of the reflective surface, the one or moreprocessors determining a location of the object along the reflectivesurface from the one or more images.
 18. The device of claim 16, furthercomprising a hinge coupling the first housing portion to the secondhousing portion and a reflector supported by the first housing portionand movable relative to the first housing portion between at least afirst position and a second position to maintain a line of sightrelationship with the reflective surface as the first housing portionpivots about the hinge relative to the second housing portion.
 19. Amethod, comprising: projecting, with a projector, images defining a userinterface along a reflective surface of a device; receiving, with asignal receiver, reflections of non-visible light from the reflectivesurface; determining, with one or more processors, an object interactingwith a user actuation target of the user interface; and actuating, withthe one or more processors in response to the object interacting withthe user actuation target, at least one haptic device to deliver hapticfeedback to the reflective surface.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising: capturing, when the signal receiver comprises an imager, oneor more images of the reflective surface to determine a location of theobject along the reflective surface; and selecting, with the one or moreprocessors, one or more haptic devices for actuation as a function ofthe location.